Day Valley, CA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Day Valley, Santa Cruz County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Day Valley?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 38 days in the Santa Cruz Mountains forecast zone and Santa Cruz County — the most common reported hazard around Day Valley, mostly in February and January. Next come flooding (38 days) and debris flows (36 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 38 | May 2026 | Feb 27, 2006 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 38 | Jan 2026 | Feb 15, 2009 · 1 death · $15,000 damage |
| Debris flows | 36 | Feb 2025 | Apr 4, 2006 · $13 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 20 | Feb 2017 | Feb 2, 1998 · 1 death · $500,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 5 | Jan 2021 | Aug 16, 2020 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 5 | Dec 2025 | Mar 2, 2024 · $10 damage |
| Excessive heat | 3 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Feb 2023 | Feb 24, 2023 · $10 damage |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Santa Cruz Mountains forecast zone and Santa Cruz County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Day Valley?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMUX (San Francisco, CA), about 9 miles north-northwest. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Day Valley | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMUX San Francisco, CA | 9 mi north-northwest | 500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDAX Sacramento, CA | 102 mi north | 10,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KHNX San Joaquin Valley, CA | 133 mi east-southeast | 14,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Day Valley
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 12 tornadoes within 25 miles of Day Valley. Most came in December and April. The strongest was an EF1 on December 14, 2024, which touched down about 10 miles west of town.
Hail: 4 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on April 1, 1965.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Day Valley's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Day Valley radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Day Valley, CA?
KMUX (San Francisco, CA), about 9 miles north-northwest. KDAX (Sacramento, CA) is 102 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Day Valley?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Day Valley the lowest scan from KMUX is about 500 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Day Valley free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Day Valley, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Scotts Valley, CA radar 9 mi
- Santa Cruz, CA radar 11 mi
- Morgan Hill, CA radar 14 mi
- Gilroy, CA radar 15 mi
- Los Gatos, CA radar 15 mi
- Monte Sereno, CA radar 17 mi
- Campbell, CA radar 18 mi
- San Jose, CA radar 19 mi